Teenagers and Underage Drinking

Warning Signs, Risks and Dangers of Underage Drinking

The legal drinking age in the United States is 21. Underage drinking is a serious public health problem that causes significant health and safety risks. It’s important to know the warning signs of underage drinking and be aware of the risks and dangers it carries. Keep reading to learn more about them.

• Warning Signs:
  • Changes in mood or behavior
  • Academic and behavioral problems in school
  • Changing groups of friends
  • Rebelliousness
  • Lack of interest in activities and hobbies
  • Finding alcohol among a young person’s possessions
  • Smell of alcohol on a young person’s breath
  • Slurred speech
  • Coordination problems
• Risks:
  • Injuries from accidents
  • Increased risk of suicide and homicide
  • Memory problems
  • Changes in brain development
  • Struggling with schoolwork
• Dangers:
  • Alcohol poisoning
  • Risky sexual behavior
  • Higher risk of being a victim of violent crime
  • Disruption of normal growth and sexual development
  • Dependence on alcohol (physical and psychological)
  • Long term cognitive difficulties

Drunk Driving

Underage drinking can lead to drunk driving accidents and fatalities. In 2022, 30% of young drivers 15 to 20 years old who were killed in crashes had a Blood Alcohol Concentration – or Blood Alcohol Content – (BAC) level of 0.01% or higher, indicating that alcohol was present in their body. BAC is measured by the amount of alcohol in a person’s blood that develops from drinking beverages that contain alcohol.

Successful Strategies

Preventing underage drinking is critical. Everyone – including parents, family members, friends, educators and community leaders – play a significant role in teaching teenagers about the risks of underage drinking and encouraging them to make healthy choices.

Effective interventions for preventing underage drinking:

• Educating youth about alcohol so they are better able to resist pressures to drink
• Providing youth with the knowledge, skills, motivation and opportunities they need to remain alcohol-free
• Empowering parents to set and enforce clear rules against drinking
• Improving communication between children and parents about alcohol

Resources

If you need help to quit or limit your drinking, the Department of Defense provides screenings to help identify what type of support you need and what treatment would work best for you. They offer inpatient, partial inpatient and outpatient treatment options.

Military OneSource
Support for Military Personnel & Families | Military OneSource is a DoD supported service offering 24/7 confidential support and are specialized in helping military members, families and veterans. Services are provided CONUS and OCONUS via call-in, live chat and text on their website and mobile app.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
You may also call the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free and confidential treatment referral and information service (provided in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders and is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Check out additional resources for Service members here.